Fashion shows often feature bizarre clothing items that would look absurd on an average person. Although these garments may inspire retail executives or garner press coverage, many critics point out they serve no practical purpose and would be impractical in real life.

Why are fashion shows filled with unwearable garments?” has become a heatedly discussed subject within the industry. Some argue that showcasing such impractical pieces promote unrealistic beauty standards and contribute to objectification of female bodies; whereas, others state this trend can be very difficult for many consumers to keep up with, given that many styles tend to be costly and impractical for everyday wear.

Designers generally view avant-garde outfits as artful and experimental. Avant-garde designs have long been utilized by leading fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Iris van Herpen and Rick Owens to create avant-garde looks that provoke conversation and push boundaries of what constitutes fashionable. This form of design has long been part of fashion history; iconic figures like these three have used this form to craft provocative yet avant-garde looks.

High fashion pieces are generally only showcased at runway shows and sold at select boutiques or stores. Designers may use these shows as an opportunity to test out new techniques, materials, or design concepts before including them in their collections and gauge how well their latest creations are received by both fashion world and consumer alike.

Other reasons behind these extravagant designs may include creating excitement and publicity for a show while serving as creative expression. Designers are always seeking innovative ways to present their work, so runway shows are seen as opportunities to test out different concepts and see how audiences react to them.

Fashion shows are an invaluable opportunity for labels to distinguish themselves in the industry, so they often put great thought and planning into how their clothing lines will be produced and presented at these shows. Many include elaborate visual effects and theatrical theatrics – this is especially true of labels with theatrical or artistic aesthetics such as Alexander Wang.

At the core, it all boils down to what a designer wants their show to represent: from creating an intimate statement about themselves through clothing that showcases their individual styles or vision, while others simply wish to offer a glimpse into what may come in future seasons. Many brands have adopted the “see-now, buy now” model where buyers can purchase pieces they saw on the runway immediately following their shows; Emilia Wickstead instead prefers showcasing her Pret-a-Porter collection which will become available six months later in her stores.